Know Your Floor Finish
Before you touch a hardwood floor, determine its finish. Polyurethane-sealed floors can handle damp mopping. Wax-finished floors cannot — water will cause white spots. Oil-finished floors need specific products. When in doubt, ask the homeowner or test an inconspicuous area.
What Never to Use
These common products damage hardwood floors:
- Vinegar: Despite popular belief, vinegar dulls polyurethane finishes over time
- Steam mops: The heat and moisture can warp wood and damage finishes
- Murphy's Oil Soap: Leaves a residue buildup that's difficult to remove
- Wet Swiffer: Too much moisture for many floor types
The Professional Method
Start with a thorough dry dust using a microfiber dust mop. This removes 90% of scratching agents. Then use a hardwood-specific cleaner (Bona Professional is the industry standard) sprayed lightly onto a damp microfiber mop. Work in the direction of the wood grain.
Dealing With Scratches
Minor surface scratches on polyurethane floors can be minimized with a product like Bona Refresher. For deeper scratches, recommend the client contact a floor refinishing professional — don't try to fix it yourself.
Charging for Hardwood Floors
Many cleaning companies charge a premium for homes with extensive hardwood. The extra care, specialized products, and liability risk justify a 10-15% upcharge. Be transparent about this when quoting.
